Vladimir 518: Rethinking Architectural Narratives in Czech Architecture 1958 -1989

While post-war architecture from the former Eastern Bloc is highly regarded by foreign architects and students, its perception in the Czech Republic is marked by considerable ambiguity. Often, it is negatively labelled as communist architecture of low value, deemed highly ideological, and seen as in need of replacement.
Visual artist and musician Vladimir 518’s seminal publication, "Architecture 58 – 89," is a comprehensive exploration of pre-revolutionary Czech architecture and a call to re-evaluate and preserve. Utilising two significant milestones—Expo 58 in Brussels and the 1989 Velvet Revolution—as bookends, his lecture embarks on a journey to chart and reassess the Czech and Slovak architectural landscape during this period. His aim is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation in order to reset the perspective of the general public and preserve those landmarks for future generations.